It is 8:30 CST and time for #TXed chat. Tonight we try and find a BALANCE in our busy life. Please take the next few minutes to introduce yourself to everyone.
It is 8:30 CST and time for #TXed chat. Tonight we try and find a BALANCE in our busy life. Please take the next few minutes to introduce yourself to everyone.
It is 8:30 CST and time for #TXed chat. Tonight we try and find a BALANCE in our busy life. Please take the next few minutes to introduce yourself to everyone.
It is 8:30 CST and time for #TXed chat. Tonight we try and find a BALANCE in our busy life. Please take the next few minutes to introduce yourself to everyone.
#txed Jerry Toups HS Math Tr from the Houston TX area. Started teaching in 1990 and ever since then my 1st rule #AlwaysBelieve in Yourself has changed lives for the better. #BlessedCareer <3 my job!
It is 8:30 CST and time for #TXed chat. Tonight we try and find a BALANCE in our busy life. Please take the next few minutes to introduce yourself to everyone.
Because Med School would only allow me to work with sick kids. I needed more positive interactions. I also wanted to pay it forward....some teachers invested in me, so it was my turn to invest in students and have the impact others had on me. #txed
A1 I love kids and wanted to make a difference, It sounds like a cliche, but I still feel that way.... always hoping I am impacting someone's life. #TXed
A1: I became an educator because I LOVE reading but found I love helping kids find books they love even more. After grad school, I found I loved helping teachers and parents find that passion too. #TXed
A1: I became an educator by circumstance & then it became my passion, working with kids. I enjoy the journey of learning & discovery, both academically & personally!#TXed
A1-I saw the impact my parents had when they were teachers. There is no other positive feeling like that. I knew at a young age, teaching was for me. #TXed
A1. I started out as a business major and landed into Education. I was mentoring a lot through my Fraternity at the time and loved working with kids. It was an easy switch! #TXed#BestDecisionEver!
A1:The kids!!! I ❤️ to learn! Also I was fortunate enough to have some amazing primary teachers who inspired me every day and I knew I wanted to do the same! #txed
A1 I teach to make a difference. I live for the A-ha's. I teach the future generations not what to think, but How to think. I hope I can be that one person someone needs. #txed
#txed A1- I became a teacher bcuz I honestly felt like God told me this was my purpose for a set time. I was on assignment for a great group of Ss that I got to watch grow from ages 9-17, looping up w/them along the way.
A1: My mom taught kinder for 30 years and I spent countless hours in her classroom. Her passion inspired me to find a career I loved...it happened to be the same as hers! #txed
A1 I wanted to do something big! I was going to school for an OT degree then found out twins were on the way... Whoa! Time to reflect/ change paths.. and now, 17 years later, I still ♥my job @MVEPanthers#txed
A1 Went back to school when my own 3 kids were young! I knew if I did my job well I wouldn’t have one anymore! Teaching was a way to keep helping other children learn and grow! #TXed
It's made me a much more critical parent. I worry so much more about my own birth kids, because I'm worrying about "my school kids" all the time. Having a wife who is also in education (counselor) makes for great pillow talks about all things education. #txed
#txed A1 This is a pic of Port Neches park on the banks of the Neches River. The picnic table to the right of the cross is where I did my last year of studies at Lamar Univ. I prayed daily I would be placed into the job that would utilize my talents. #PrayersReceived
Q2- It definitely takes a toll because there’s very little personal time BUT I 💚 that my hubs and my kids and family are proud of the work I do. More importantly I am proud. #txed
A2: I quickly learned my first year of teaching that it is important to have a work-life balance. You can’t pour from an empty cup—so self care is important! Also, I have made so many amazing friends through this career! So thankful! #txed
Working with adults and students of all backgrounds has opened my eyes to how amazing people can be when you make a connection. Being able to connect to people without judgement has been huge! #TXED
A2: I definitely go out at night much less with friends especially during the week. Im too tired and feel like I’m not my best self the next day. #txed
Now that I have a niece and nephew it has changed my views on how to interact with them! At times it has had a negative effect bc of being home negativity from work. #txed
A2 It's opposite, I bring my passions from my personal life into my classroom and really kick it up a notch! Connecting with my kids and peers on a personal level trumps all @MVEPanthers#txed
Always important to take care of self, but getting the job done is also important because its' only then that you can really relax...otherwise, it is looming over your head. #txed
#txed A2- I viewed my classroom as seeds I was sowing for my own kids. I would go above & beyond bcuz I knew my kids might need it someday. Learned the hard way not to let classroom commitments consume me. What good is being there for Ss if I miss out in my own family?
A2: What has touched me most lately is seeing my old teaching partners from years ago, old team members, my current teachers I coach, and my current admin team at my father’s funeral 2 months ago. The amazing people on my path have impacted me forever. #TXed
.@TXSBOE member Melton-Malone argued to add Houston back explaining, "I can promise you it's not going to take five to ten minutes just to introduce him, tell what he did." OK...so couldn't that be said of any historical figure? For example, #HillaryClinton or #HelenKeller. #txed
A2. I can provide a "heads up" to my own kids. My 5 year old daughter told me she was going to graduate college the other day and it took everything in me not to cry. Education is SO powerful. We are role models to so many! #TXed
A2: it’s hard to explain to a spouse what you do all day, especially when they’re not in the same profession. I try to leave it at the door. Not bring the stress home. That’s what coworkers are for right?! #TXed
A1: I wanted to encourage, inspire and make a difference in lives because of that one time a teacher believed in me and changed my direction in life! #txed
A2 Teaching spills into my personal life. I think it is hard to turn off. It's more than a job. It's a professional, a calling, and it is part of your spirit. That's why I struggle. Plus as a lifelong learner, I am always wanting to try new and better things. #txed
A2 Ooooh! A big topic of conversation in our house! I spend way too much time at work and too much time at home doing school work. I find it hard to find a balance. I am looking for ideas here :) #TXed
A2 Being a teacher has spilled over into my family life and church life. It affected how I interacted with my boys, and influenced me being involved in teaching children in our church family. #TXed
#txed A2 My job produces a level of joy that can't be described. I did my best to describe how this happens in my book (coming out soon) The Story of Always Believe. When you make your life about kids, #joy is produced.
🔎 PLN Poll.... what is everyone using for a url shortener these days? I'd like to find a combo Chrome extension for shortened URL + QR code. #TXed#EdTech#TLAP#GoogleEdu
I was just telling @vhsaldana today about how much I love going into your classroom to see the great relationships you have with each of your students! #txed
I think sometimes you have to draw the line and leave work at work and spend your time at home with your family. Make the most of your time while you are at work allow yourself to pick up again tomorrow. Life is too short to not enjoy your family! #txed
I honestly feel that it is impossible. We are humans. We are professionals. We've attained the successes that we have because of our work ethics and personal and professional expectations that we hold of ourselves. There is no perfect balance. You make the best out of it. #txed
A3: I believe educators should aim for a healthy ratio instead of balance. There will be times that family needs you more and times when your students and school pull at you more. We must set boundaries to find that healthy ratio #Txed
A3. As a principal, I had to learn to delegate. You cant do it all. Partner with the great people on your team so that you all find a balance, all while being effective for your students. Having an understanding spouse has been key! #TXed
A3-I don’t think there can ever be a perfect balance, but we can try. When my family needs me, I tell my school. When my school needs me, I tell my family. #TXed
Q3 I have far less to bring home, plan, etc when my kids are given choice and creating rather than constantly doing worksheet after worksheet. Technology helps but is also a hindrance. Just have to know when it’s time to shut it down. Hard to do sometimes #txed
A3 I feel that if you actually achieve the perfect balance, it will only be momentary. It is a constant balancing act shifting back and forth between personal and work. #TXed
A3 Get to work early, use morning and all plan time to get things done, even lunch! Then leave right at end of day and don’t take anything with you! You can do it if you try! #TXed
A2: finding a balance is a Challenge for me. I always reflect on my day and don’t know how to let some things go. I’m always thinking of new ways to Challenge my students. I need to learn to find a stopping point and just go workout! #txed
I think you have to tell yourself CUT! There will never be a definitive end. It will be there tomorrow. As long as you meet your deadlines & obligations. And if there is an end, you should still do reflections. Focus on what you can control. You can’t get your time back #TXed
1st graders also are to "identify historical figures and other individuals who have exemplified good citizenship." (Other individuals meaning the living?) The historical figures listed as examples are Eleanor Roosevelt and Benjamin Franklin. #txed@TXSBOE
A3. As a principal, I had to learn to delegate. You cant do it all. Partner with the great people on your team so that you all find a balance, all while being effective for your students. Having an understanding spouse has been key! #TXed
A2: Being a teacher made me a better parent & being a parent made me a better teacher...the connections between the two have been enormous for me #TXed
A3: I agree w/ what many have said... it’s give and take depending on the time of year. For me personally, making sure I go to bed at an appropriate time really helped me keep more of a balance than being exhausted in the AM and even more in the PM. #TXed
A3 I feel that if you actually achieve the perfect balance, it will only be momentary. It is a constant balancing act shifting back and forth between personal and work. #TXed
A3 leave school problems at school, same for home. Be mindful in the place you are in and people you are with. Take time for yourself, even if you sneak it in small increments. Work hard play hard. Holidays are for family. #txed
A1: I wanted the other kids to read like I could. They could talk & convey their thoughts on the playground, so why wasn't this true in the classroom. Wanted to help this change in 2nd gr.
#txed
#txed A3 pt 1- Let tech work for you. I set my phones to AUTOMATICALLY go on DND at the same time daily. I communicate boundaries to my team so they know upfront. I communicate w/hubby to agree on 1 late day per week max.
#txed A3 pt 2- Oh- I no longer bring my laptop home, & I refuse to do work on my personal computer. I’m unplugged after 8p most days and after 6pm at least 2 days per week. Focusing on being present, even if it is just bath time. It’s a bath time I’ll never get back.
#txed A3 Balance is a must! Me Time is a must! If you don't get your #MeTime you will burn out. Teach yourself to leave your work at work. Get quite time and reflection. My me time includes dog walking, walking 18 holes, #HTown day trips for photography & #FridayNightLights
I'm blessed to have a wonderful team that understands this. I've also always tried to instill the "family first" approach...isn't that right Wildcats? #txed
All in all, 1st grade is more balanced than K. The floor discussion showed that @TXSBOE could add historical figures back into #TX social studies curriculum regardless of recommendations from the working group. They just needed to deem them important enough. #txed
A3: neither will be perfect but you have to find what works for you. I have to leave school to de stress (workout) and what doesn’t get done at school will get done at home. #Txed
A3-Once I am at home...I am at home until the family goes to sleep. I put the phone down, keep the computer off and enjoy them until later on in the evening when the littles are sleeping. #TXed
A2: finding a balance is a Challenge for me. I always reflect on my day and don’t know how to let some things go. I’m always thinking of new ways to Challenge my students. I need to learn to find a stopping point and just go workout! #txed
The struggle!!! But you’re right. Getting adequate sleep is beneficial. Also, when I worked out in the morn, I was more energized and focus. ..but that’s a lot more balancing to do! Lol #TXed
A4: signs you might need to step back: feeling like you can’t catch your breath, drool-inducing exhaustion, and when you start forgetting events/deadlines/tasks. #txed
A3 "Perfect" is only relevant to the individual, therefore if you just take a deep breath and look the impact you have on individuals, peers, and inevitably, generations/community, well, never perfect but always present & considering both sides needs♥ @MVEPanthers#txed
A4: I can tell when I’m overwhelmed and make sure to schedule some down time. This last weekend I canceled a trip to Austin and just spent time decorating, settling things down, taking the dog to the park, etc. I try to be proactive rather than just ignoring the stress. #TXed
#txed A4 Constant complaining about EVERYTHING! When this starts happening your job isn't about the kids anymore. There are times when you need to shut your door, love your students, and teach your kids with out worrying about things that are out of your control.
Sometimes you have to put work aside and take care of yourself and the fam. Prioritize. Some days you stay late at school. Some days you don’t, go home. Family first. #txed
A4. Anger, aggression, anxiety, blaming... We all need rest, as well as reflection. The work we do is difficult. We need time to ensure we are not going 100 MPH doing the wrong things. #RestAndReflect#TXed
A4: when everything is personal & start snapping over small things. If you have an amazing partner they can hold you accountable & tell you when you need to step back. I know @SuzanneCFISD would tell me if she thought I was ever in that place. #txed#amazingpartner#blessed
This is a tough one. Everyone carries stress differently. They key would be to have enough trust to let people know, "hey, not today." or "Can I please tell you about..." We are stronger when we have enough trust to rely on each other. #txed Come talk to me, I'd love to help.
Physical, mental, and emotional health are all essential for us to perform at our best. If we are on E in any of them...it’s time to reach out, rest, and recover! #txed#MentalHealthDay
Q4 sometimes it just comes up on ya! But most times you feel it. Just say- can you take this one? Let your peeps help you before it’s too late. Rescue your peeps when you see it coming. #txed
#txed A4 Constant complaining about EVERYTHING! When this starts happening your job isn't about the kids anymore. There are times when you need to shut your door, love your students, and teach your kids with out worrying about things that are out of your control.
#txed A4- any changes to your health are a HUGE red flag. Stress causes so many physical issues. Pay attention to headaches, BP, constant fatigue, body aches, etc. Dehydration & lack of sleep can be deadly. Your body is saying it loud & clear
A4 When I constantly feel the need to check my calendar and email to make sure I am not forgetting something. Slight panic mode that I will overlook something important! #TXed
Q4 when I noticed my kids' eyes were glazing over during the whole group lesson on mult. strategies yesterday! Cut it to a mini today with some hands on and BAM... way better LOL! Follow cues from your kiddos! #txed
Q5: How can we keep that passion for teaching when we might have challenges at home to overcome? Also, how can we keep our home life in check when we face challenges at school? #TXed
Q5: How can we keep that passion for teaching when we might have challenges at home to overcome? Also, how can we keep our home life in check when we face challenges at school? #TXed
A5: I have to use a weekly planner. I write down up to 3 personal items to handle during office hours or lunch. If I ignore them, things only get worse so scheduling little goals for the day helps keep balance and not letting anything get out of hand. #TXed
#txed A5- it’s a delicate balance & it takes practice to get it right. This is an area where we have to exercise a growth mindset. Reward progress not perfection. Try to get better at drawing the line in the sand each day.
Q5: How can we keep that passion for teaching when we might have challenges at home to overcome? Also, how can we keep our home life in check when we face challenges at school? #TXed
A5. Open communication with all stakeholders (people at home & people at work). Let people know when a timeout is needed. Also, be VERY empathetic to your colleagues. When it's your turn, they'll have your back. #TXed
Q5: How can we keep that passion for teaching when we might have challenges at home to overcome? Also, how can we keep our home life in check when we face challenges at school? #TXed
Q5: How can we keep that passion for teaching when we might have challenges at home to overcome? Also, how can we keep our home life in check when we face challenges at school? #TXed
A5 Focus on progress. Focus on small victories. Love your coworkers. Have compassion for families. Always strive to be better from one day to the next. #TXed
Q5: How can we keep that passion for teaching when we might have challenges at home to overcome? Also, how can we keep our home life in check when we face challenges at school? #TXed
A5-Find those silent moments. Be it early in the morning or late in the evening. Turn everything off and just listen to the stillness. Relax for a few moments like this and then get back into the batter’s box. #TXed
A5: remember that we’re here for the kids! As soon as I see them it puts a smile on my face. Also, at the beginning of the year we made a list “I love my job because...”! Rereading and adding to the list @vhsaldana#TXed
Q5: I just try to remember what would I want for my own child. That keeps me grounded in why I am teaching. I also remember that when I am at home my family also deserves the best me I can be!#txed
A5: remember that we’re here for the kids! As soon as I see them it puts a smile on my face. Also, at the beginning of the year we made a list “I love my job because...”! Rereading and adding to the list @vhsaldana#TXed
#TXed A5- I write down great things that happen & happy moments(home & work) on a slip of paper and put them in a jar. When I’m having a rough day, I take them out and read them to remind myself of all of the positive things that have happened
Why not sit down and write our#t what’s going well. Focus on the positive. Sometimes we get so caught up in being great, that we don’t see all the great things we’ve already done! #TXed
Q5: How can we keep that passion for teaching when we might have challenges at home to overcome? Also, how can we keep our home life in check when we face challenges at school? #TXed
#txed A5 When your classroom becomes your #HappyPlace it also becomes your refuge. Make your classroom a place you want to be. My Ss LOVE the pictures and phrases that decorate my room. I can always find something that makes me happy here, especially my Ss.
A5: Bring your passion to your job. Look for ways you can make it a job you love to do so that you can’t wait to get to work and enjoy it. Start an initiative, create a breakfast pln, find your happiness!!! #txed
A5 know that the Littles in front of you need you to be present. It’s ok to have some downtime with them too. They enjoy that. But be there for them bc it’ll take your mind off of home. #txed
A5 Focus on progress. Focus on small victories. Love your coworkers. Have compassion for families. Always strive to be better from one day to the next. #TXed
Q5: How can we keep that passion for teaching when we might have challenges at home to overcome? Also, how can we keep our home life in check when we face challenges at school? #TXed
#TXed A5- also I remind myself of something I read in #TheHappinessProject — the days are long but the years are short! Embrace the moment. Life’s too short for anything else.
Why not sit down and write our#t what’s going well. Focus on the positive. Sometimes we get so caught up in being great, that we don’t see all the great things we’ve already done! #TXed
Q5: How can we keep that passion for teaching when we might have challenges at home to overcome? Also, how can we keep our home life in check when we face challenges at school? #TXed
Also notice that @TXSBOE member Melton-Malone fine shortchanging the amount of time it takes to properly give 1st grade lesson on individual that is required in curriculum. Why the streamlining of curriculum if it takes only 5-10 minutes per historical figure? #txed 🤨
Surround yourself with people that energize you. No one needs energy vampires. But even more importantly than that, DO WHAT YOU LOVE. It'll never feel like work. #txed
Q5: How can we keep that passion for teaching when we might have challenges at home to overcome? Also, how can we keep our home life in check when we face challenges at school? #TXed
Laugh. Have fun. You spend a lot of time with coworkers so have fun together. Do fun things outside of school with them. They’re your best allies. It doesn’t always have to be work work work #txed
#txed A6 How about these 4 inspired phrases. I post these poster in my room. The provide inspiration for my Ss. As a Tr, if you make your job about the kids you are blessed to influence, your job will produce joy! Priceless Joy! #AlwaysBelieve
A5 Last year I "set up" 3 classrooms per Harvey and kept my kids on point all year! How? Seriously, connecting. Knowing my kids/families and letting them connect with me! They all wanted to know how they could help me, and it was humbling, but we had real relationships♥#TXed
A6 Put it on a calendar- what days you’ll focus a little longer at school and what days you’ll focus a little longer at home. Make it a habit. And know- the work- it’ll be there tomorrow. People are who matter. Exhaust yourself on them- not paper shuffling. #TXed
A6. There are so many ways to have a positive impact. Continue to grown in the career and try different roles. I always strive to make an impact on a bigger scale. If that's not you, different grades, schools, districts, etc. Change it up. Be great! #TXed
Always remember, that no matter the challenges you face, you are amazing. Thank you for being a dedicated educator!
We hope to see you next Wednesday. Same time, same hashtag! #TXed
Find your tribe...or in education talk...your PLC! Lean on those people to keep you grounded, focused, and refreshed. Having people who have your back, know what you stand for, and support you is essential! I’m so thankful for my people. #txed
A6: Spend time w/ kids, build relationships, get to know your students. Find joy in everything you do. Because no matter how small YOU think it is, it might just make a BIG impact on one person & change the trajectory of their life! #txed#believe#YouCanChangeSomeonesLife
I became an educator because I wish to be to the students of today what my favorite teachers were to me. Many of the teachers who impacted my decision to become an educator have passed on, but they motivated and inspired me never settle for mediocrity.#txed
#TXed A6- Define happiness/joy for YOURSELF. Only then will you be able to take actions that keep you in that state. You have to know what makes YOU happy, not what makes anyone/everyone else happy.
A6 Pursue your non-school passions as aggressively as your "job requirements"
I read, jog, play, hunt, fish, build, learn, cook, explore .... and embrace my passions all over♥ #txed
Thank you #txed for an amazing chat tonight. After the day that I had, this was perfect. So many new connections to start following. Good night all. Have an amazing week!!
If you don't care for yourself and those you love at home, you won't be of much help to your work family. "You're only as happy as your least happy child". #txed
